How do Early Decision I and II differ in terms of commitment?

I'm trying to decide between applying under ED I and ED II. What are the main differences, and do colleges view applications differently based on the timing of these decisions?

The main difference between Early Decision I (ED I) and Early Decision II (ED II) is the timeline for application deadlines and decision notification dates. ED I deadlines typically fall in early November, with decisions released in mid-December. On the other hand, ED II deadlines generally occur in early January, and decisions are often released in early February.

In terms of commitment level, both ED I and ED II are binding commitments. If a student is accepted under either of these plans, they are obligated to withdraw all other college applications and enroll at the school they've been accepted to, barring exceptional circumstances like inadequate financial aid.

As far as how colleges view applications based on the decision timing, the discussions among admissions committees can be quite nuanced. It's likely that the pool of applicants will be different between ED I and ED II, as some students might use the ED II option as a sort of "second chance" after receiving deferral or rejection from their ED I school. However, admissions officers aim to maintain consistent criteria and standards for both rounds.

There's no surefire way to predict whether you'd have a better chance in ED I or ED II. The decision as to which one to choose often depends more on your preparation level and confidence in your first-choice school at the time of the respective deadlines. By applying ED II, you get a bit more time to improve your application, gather more information about your options, and confirm your first-choice school. So, consider your individual circumstances and readiness when deciding between ED I and ED II.